An 18-year-old man was shot dead and some people were injured in firing after clashes during the immersion of Goddess Durga on Monday in Bihar’s Munger.
A video showing a police lathi-charge on a group carrying a Durga idol, widely circulated online, has sparked anger just a day before voting begins in the state for a new government.
The deceased has been identified as Anurag Poddar (25), a local resident. The four injured are local residents Saurabh, Chandan, Ashutosh and Chhotu.
Meanwhile, social media users have started uploading shocking visuals of last night’s situation in Munger. Hashtags like MungerDanga, ShameonMungerPolice, and BocyottMungerElection began to trend on Twitter.
Munger SP Lipi Singh said 26 policemen have been also injured in the incident. “We are collecting video footage of the spot to identify troublemakers. Adequate forces have been deployed to ensure no further untoward incident happens”.
She said over 30 people have been detained and were being questioned.
As per a Hindustan Times report, the cops first fired tear gas shells and then opened fire after the tear gas shells allegedly proved ineffective. The cops are said to have fired 15 rounds in the air.
Hitting out at the BJP-JDU government in Bihar over the violent clashes in Munger following a delay in Durga Puja idol immersions, the Congress on Tuesday asked will the administration now shoot and kill the Durga worshippers.
Sharing a video of the violence, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “Will the BJP-JDU government thrash Durga worshippers like animals? Will the BJP-JDU government kill people for immersing Durga idol. Yes, these images are from Munger in Bihar. First, they lathi-charged the disciples and then police fired on them.”
This incident comes at a time when the state of Bihar is gearing up for assembly polls. The first phase of polling will take place tomorrow (28 October).